Hindu Administrative Institutions c12.s1.60

c12.s1.60

The members of the committee for administration meet together and decide first the accuracy of measurements. The sales are effected publicly and if possible by auction, the highest bidder getting it. Though the gopa fixes the boundary limits, disputes arising from them are settled by this committee on the strength of evidence furnished especially by cultivators and cowherds. Any undue encroachment was severely dealt with.² Again if this committee could not arrive at a unanimous decision, and opinion became divided, the whole question was referred to what is now called an Arbitration Board, constituted by men of sterling character and worth, whose words were final. In the meantime the disputants themselves might strike at some compromise and withdraw the case. Otherwise what the Board ruled should be accepted. If the Board found on sufficient grounds that both parties unjustly claimed a piece of land, then that strip of land was declared ‘public property’. The same was applicable for disputes concerning forests, pasture grounds, roads, cremation grounds, temples, and other charitable institutions.¹ According to the Kauṭalīya this committee of the elders of the village was to look after the property of orphans, minors, and temples.²